Despite a goal to put broadband in the hands of all residents by next year, a quarter of households — nearly 500,000 — still don’t have it, a new report from the Minnesota Broadband Task Force shows. Minnesota also will likely miss its goal to land in the top five states nationwide for access to speedy Internet by 2015. Today, the state ranks just 23rd in broadband availability.

Some lawmakers say that after years of goals, it’s time to spend state money to fix the problem.

This week, Sen. Matt Schmit, DFL-Red Wing, will announce a bill that would create a $100 million matching grant program to help build broadband infrastructure.

Senator Schmit also had this to say…

“Following three Governor’s broadband task forces, numerous policy recommendations, and adoption of state speed goals — not to mention continued philanthropic activity, local initiatives, and our recent 16-city listening tour, we’re finally poised to start a meaningful conversation at the Capitol regarding the state’s role in promoting broadband investment in Greater Minnesota. Our proposed $100 million Border-to-Border Broadband Fund promises to extend vital broadband connectivity to underserved areas of the state by promoting partnerships that leverage significant state, local and private investment.”

It’s exciting to see things happening. The map here shows the need for better broadband across the state, and having attended several of the listening sessions and most of the meetings for the three broadband task forces I have heard folks in the communities and provider say that ubiquitous broadband won’t happen without financial support.

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About Ann Treacy

I have a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science. I have been interested or involved in providing access to information through the Internet since 1994, when I worked for Minnesota’s first Internet service provider. I am pleased to be a part of the Blandin on Broadband Team. I also work with MN Coalition on Government Information, Minnesota Rural Partners, and the American Society for Information Science and Technology.